Elastomeric, cord-reinforced plow edge and plow flap

ABSTRACT

A plow edge and a plow flap, for example, a snow plow edge and a snow plow flap, having improved durability and performance compared to prior art metallic or elastomeric edges or flaps. The plow edge and plow flap are fabricated from an elastomeric material, for example, a cord-reinforced elastomeric material. According to one aspect of the invention, the cord-reinforced elastomeric materials are elongated members fabricated from tire parts, for example, used treads from pneumatic tires. Tire treads having integral reinforcing cords, for example, metallic or polymer cords or belts provide enhanced strength and durability. The plow edges and flaps may be used on plows for transferring many types of media along a surface, for example, gravel, sand, water, or other liquids, but in one aspect of the invention, the edges and flaps are used for snow plows.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates generally to devices for improving thedurability and performance of plow blades. Specifically, the presentinvention provides improved plow blade edges and flaps, for example,snow plow edges and flaps fabricated from parts of pneumatic tires.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Rough terrain and cold weather conditions have caused problemsfor snow plow blades for as long as there have been snow plows. Althoughmany modifications and alternative designs have been made to snow plowblades in attempts to improve the life and durability of snow plowblades, in particular, the life and durability of snow plow blade edges,most of these modifications and alterations did not provide sufficientdurability to deal with, among other things, the rough terrain and coldweather that snow plow blades are typically exposed to. Typically, priorart snow plow edges are metallic, for example, steel, and areexcessively damaged or even destroyed due to wear from to contactbetween the plow edge and the terrain and corrosion (which isexacerbated by road salt). Such prior art blade edges must frequently berepaired or replaced.

[0003] In addition, rigid prior art snow plow blade edges typically candamage the surface over which they are moved, for example, asphalt orconcrete and, due to their rigidity, typically transmit loads, forexample, shock loads, to the vehicle and vehicle mounting components towhich the plow blade is attached. These loads can damage or incapacitatethe vehicle or vehicle mounting components. Furthermore, metallic priorart blade edges are not effective in plowing fluid-like media, forexample, slush, water, and other fluids or liquids. There is a need inthe art to provide a snow plow blade edge which avoids these limitationsof prior art plow blade edges, in particular, limitations in prior artsnow plow blade edges.

[0004] In many plowing applications, for example, in snow plowing, theplow comprises a hinged or articulated plow, having two or more plowblade sections hinged on a common access. Such articulated plows, oftenreferred to as “v-plows”, typically have some form of gap between theplow blades to accommodate the hinged mounting or independent movementof each of the blades. As a result, such plows typically have a gap orspace between the plow blades that, for example, interrupts the surfacethat impacts the medium being plowed, for example, snow, sand, orgravel. Typically, in order to prevent the plowed medium from passingthrough this gap between the blades, at least one flexible flap or coveris mounted over the gap to prevent or minimize the passage of the plowedmedium through the gap. Typically, in the prior art, this flap is arubber flap, for example, an ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM)rubber flap. Typically, at least one, sometimes two EPDM rubber flapsare mounted across the gap between the articulated plow blades.

[0005] However, conventional rubberflaps, such as EPDM rubberflaps, havelimited strength and wear resistance. Under heavy loading and in harshenvironments, for example, in highway snow plowing, conventional rubberplow flaps are prone to wear, tearing, splinting, “chunking”, and otherforms of breakage due to impacts with the plowed surface and surfaceobstructions and typically must be replaced often. Thus, there is a needin the art for an elastomeric plow flap having improved strength,durability, and wear resistance compared to prior art plow flaps.

[0006] U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,096,772 of Snyder [attrny. ref. 1908.001] and6,258,193 of Coffin [attrny. ref. 1908.004 C] and co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/904,139 filed on Jul. 11, 2001[attrny. ref.1908.002] (the disclosures of which are incorporated by referenceherein) disclose an elastomeric construction material fabricated frompneumatic tire parts and methods for fabricating elastomericconstruction materials from pneumatic tire parts. These constructionmaterials are marketed under the name DURABOARD™ by Tire ConversionTechnologies Inc. of Scotia, N.Y. As disclosed in these patents andapplication, tire treads are processed to fabricate strong, durable, andresilient construction materials for use in, for example, retainingwalls and fencing, as well as other applications.

[0007] The inventors have found that the resilient construction materialdescribed in the above patents and application can be used to provideplow blade edges and plow flaps, in particular, snow-plow blade edgesand snow-plow flaps, that overcome many of the limitations of the priorart.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention overcomes the limitations of prior art plowblade edge and plow flap construction, in particular, prior artsnow-plow blade edge and snow-plow flap construction, to provide animproved blade and an improved flap which exhibit increased durabilityand reliability compared to the prior art. In addition, the presentinvention imparts less damage to the surface over which the edge or flapis used and transmits less loading upon the vehicle, the mountingcomponents, and the vehicle operator. Though some aspects of the presentinvention are ideally suited for snow-plow blade applications, includingZamboni®-type vehicles and devices, many aspects of the presentinvention are not limited to snow-plow applications, but can be used onany type of plow. Aspects of the present invention are applicable, forexample, to earth-moving plows, such as bulldozers and graders, andmaterial handling plows, for example, plows used in the farming and foodindustry.

[0009] One aspect of the present invention is a plow edge comprising atleast one elastomeric, cord-reinforced member fabricated from at leastone pneumatic tire part, for example, at least one pneumatic tire tread.In one aspect of the invention, the at least one elastomeric,fiber-reinforced member comprises at least one elastomeric,metal-cord-reinforced member, for example, a steel-belt-reinforcedmember, or at least one elastomeric, fiber-cord-reinforced member. Inone aspect of the invention, the at least one pneumatic tire partcomprises at least one used pneumatic tire part. In one aspect of theinvention, the plow edge comprises a snow plow blade edge.

[0010] Another aspect of the present invention is a plow assembly,comprising: a plow body; at least one plow edge comprising anelastomeric, cord-reinforced material fabricated from parts of one ormore pneumatic tires; and means for mounting the at least one plow edgeto the plow body, for example, adjacent the lower edge of the plow body.In one aspect of the invention, the at least one plow edge comprises atleast two plow edges. In one aspect of the invention, the plow assemblyis a snow-plow assembly. In one aspect of the invention, the means formounting the at least one plow edge comprises at least one mountingmember and at least one threaded fastener. In one aspect of theinvention, the at least one mounting member comprises at least onemounting plate.

[0011] Another aspect of the present invention is method for replacingan existing plow edge with an elastomeric, cord-reinforced plow edgecomprising: removing the existing plow edge from the plow; and attachingthe elastomeric, cord-reinforced plow edge, the elastomeric,cord-reinforced plow edge comprising at least one elastomeric,cord-reinforced member fabricated from at least one pneumatic tire part.Attaching the elastomeric, cord reinforced plow edge may comprisepositioning at least one rigid support plate adjacent the elastomeric,cord-reinforced plow edge and fastening the support plate and theelastomeric, cord-reinforced plow edge to the plow by means offasteners. In another aspect of the invention, the method may furtherinclude adjusting the alignment of the elastomeric, cord-reinforced plowedge wherein the elastomeric, cord-reinforced plow edge is mounted at anoblique angle.

[0012] Another aspect of the present invention is a kit for replacing aplow edge with an elastomeric, cord-reinforced plow edge. The kit mayinclude at least one elastomeric, cord-reinforced plow edge comprisingat least one member fabricated from at least one part of a pneumatictire; and a plurality of mechanical fasteners, for example, nuts, bolts,and washers. In one aspect of the invention, the kit may includeinstructions for replacing a plow edge with the elastomeric,cord-reinforced plow edge.

[0013] A further aspect of the present invention is a plow flapmountable on a plow blade, the plow flap comprising an elastomeric,cord-reinforced material fabricated from at least one part of apneumatic tire. Again, like the plow edge described above, in one aspectof the invention, the plow flap is made from an elastomeric,metal-cord-reinforced material, for example, an elastomeric,steel-belt-reinforced material, or an elastomeric, fiber-cord-reinforcedmaterial. In one aspect of the invention, the plow flap is mountable ontwo plow blades, for example, two plow blades of a “v-scoop”-type plow.In one aspect of the invention aspect, the plow blade comprises asnow-plow blade.

[0014] Still another aspect of the present invention is a plow assembly,comprising: a plurality of plow blades mounted for relative movementabout a common axis; at least one plow flap comprising an elastomeric,cord-reinforced material fabricated from parts of one or more pneumatictires; and means for mounting the at least one plow flap to at least oneof the plurality of plow blades, for example, adjacent the common axis.In one aspect of the invention, the at least one plow flap comprises atleast two plow flaps. In one aspect of the invention, the plow assemblyis a snow-plow assembly. In one aspect of the invention, the means formounting the at least one plow flap comprises at least one mountingmember and at least one threaded fastener. In one aspect of theinvention, the at least one mounting member comprises at least onemounting plate or at least one mounting bracket.

[0015] A further aspect of the invention is a kit for replacing anexisting plow flap of a plow blade with an elastomeric, cord-reinforcedplow flap. The kit including at least one plow flap comprising anelastomeric, cord-reinforced material fabricated from parts of one ormore pneumatic tires; and means for mounting the at least one resilientplow flap to the plow blade. The means for mounting may comprise atleast one mechanical fastener. The kit may also include instructions forreplacing an existing plow flap with at least one elastomeric,fiber-reinforced plow flap.

[0016] These and other embodiments and aspects of the present inventionwill become more apparent upon review of the attached drawings,description below, and attached claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The subject matter which is regarded as the invention isparticularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concludingportion of the specification. The invention, however, both as toorganization and method of practice, together with further objects andadvantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the followingdetailed descriptions of the preferred embodiments and the accompanyingdrawings in which:

[0018]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a typical prior art plow blade.

[0019]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a typical plow blade according toone aspect of the present invention.

[0020]FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the section of the plow blade shownin FIG. 2.

[0021]FIG. 4 is a plan view of one aspect of the present invention.

[0022]FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view taken along section lines 5-5 inFIG. 4.

[0023]FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a prior art v-scoopplow.

[0024]FIG. 7 is a perspective of the prior art v-scoop plow shown inFIG. 6 as viewed from the direction of arrows 7-7 in FIG. 6.

[0025]FIG. 8 is a plan view of one aspect of the present invention.

[0026]FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view taken through lines 9-9 shown inFIG. 8.

[0027]FIG. 10 is a plan view of another aspect of the present invention

[0028]FIG. 11 is a partial front elevation view of a plow assemblyaccording to one aspect of the present invention.

[0029]FIG. 12 is partial is a partial rear elevation view of a plowassembly according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0030]FIG. 13 is a view like FIG. 12 showing a plow assembly accordingto another aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031]FIG. 1 is an perspective view of a typical prior art plow assembly10 over which one aspect of the present invention is an improvement.Prior art plow assembly 10 typically includes plow body 12 which istypically of hemispherical and funnel shape steel construction fordeflecting snow or other media. Plow assembly 10 is typically theattached to a vehicle (not shown) by means of an appropriate frame orhousing (also not shown). The vehicle may be any vehicle ranging from astandard car or pickup truck to a sand and salt-carrying dump truck to aroad grader having a belly-mounted blade, to huge earth-moving orsnow-moving plows. The means of attaching the body 12 to a vehicle mayalso typically include some form of hydraulic mechanism for positioningbody 12 as desired, as is typical in the art. The prior art plowassembly 10 may also include one or more reinforcing members 14 (shownin phantom) to provide strength and rigidity to plow body 12.Reinforcing members 14 are typically standard structural angles whichare attached to the back of plow body 12, for example, by means ofwelding.

[0032] Typical prior art plow assembly 10 includes at least onereplaceable plow edge 16 mounted to the base of body 12 where edge 16will contact the plowed surface, for example, a road surface. As notedabove, plow edge 16 is typically replaceable since its rigidconstruction is typically prone to damage due abrasive contact with thesurface being plowed or to obstacles, for example, trees, mail boxes,and the like, encountered while plowing. Plow edge 16 is typically ofmetallic construction, for example, steel construction, and is mountedto body 12 by a plurality of mechanical fasteners, for example, aplurality of nuts, bolts, and washers, 18. Prior art plow edges 16typically included slotted perforations to allow for adjustment of themounting of the plow edge 16 during initial installation or foradjustment of the mounting of the plow edge 16 after use and wear.

[0033]FIG. 2 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1 of a typical plowassembly 20 according to one aspect of the present invention. Anexploded view of plow construction 20 is shown in FIG. 3. According tothis aspect of the invention, plow assembly 20 typically includes a plowbody 12 and one or more reinforcing members 14 as in the prior artconstruction shown in FIG. 1. According to one aspect of the presentinvention, plow assembly 20 includes a plow edge 22 comprising aresilient material, for example, an elastomeric material havingreinforcing cords, for example, non-metallic reinforcing chords ormetallic reinforcing chords, for instance, metallic wires(See FIG. 5).In one aspect of the invention, plow edge 22 comprises an elastomericmaterial having reinforcing cords, for example, steel reinforcing cords(specifically, ASTM 1070 steel wire); polymer reinforcing cords, forexample, polyester or nylon cords; steel belts; polymer belts; orcombinations thereof. In one aspect of the invention, plow edge 22comprises an elastomeric, cord-reinforced material fabricated fromtires, for example, pneumatic tires. In one aspect of the invention,plow edge 22 is fabricated from the elastomeric, cord-reinforcedmaterial fabricated from tires as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,096,772or 6,258,193 or co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/904,139(again, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein).Typically, pneumatic tires, for example, biased or unbiased tires, orbelted or unbelted tires, include some form of reinforcing elements, forexample, chords, belts, plies, and the like, that provide added strengthto the tire. According to one aspect of the present invention, parts ofpneumatic tires, for example, scrap tires, are used to provide resilientplow-blade members having some form of reinforcing element.

[0034] According to one aspect of the invention, plow edge 22 isattached to plow body 12 by means of mechanical fasteners, for example,a plurality of nuts 24, bolts 26, and washers 28 as shown in FIG. 3. Inanother aspect of the invention, plow edge 20 is attached to body 12with a reinforcing plate 30, for example, a carbon steel or stainlesssteel reinforcing plate, to add rigidity and strength to the mounting ofedge 22. The dimensions of reinforcing plate 30 will vary depending uponthe size of plow edge 22 used, for example, the length of plate 30 islimitless, but reinforcing plate 30 typically will have a length betweenabout 4 and 20 feet, for example, between about 4 feet and about 8 feet;the width of plate 30 may be between about 0.5 to about 24 inches, forexample, between about 3 inches and about 12 inches; and the thicknessof plate 30 may be between about 0.125 inches to about 4 inches, forexample, between about 0.50 inches and about 1.0 inches. As in the priorart plow edge 16 shown in FIG. 1, plow edge 22 may also include slottedholes 32 to facilitate attachment and alignment of plow edge 22 on body12.

[0035]FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed plan view of plow edge 22 accordingto one aspect of the invention. FIG. 5 illustrates a cross sectionalview of plow edge 22 as viewed along section lines 5-5 of FIG. 4. Asshown in FIG. 5, plow edge 22 typically is comprised of at least onetire ply 34 fabricated according to the methods disclosed in U.S. Pat.Nos. 5,096,772; 6,258,193; or co-pending U.S. patent application Ser.No. 09/904,139. In one aspect of the invention, plow edge 22 comprisesat least 2 plies 34; in another aspect of the invention, plow edge 22comprises at least 3 plies 34. A third ply 34 is shown in phantom inFIG. 4. According to the present invention, one or more plies 34 includeone or more reinforcing cords 35. Cords 35 may be metallic reinforcingcords, for example, steel reinforcing cords (specifically, ASTM 1070steel wire); polymer reinforcing cords, for example, polyester or nyloncords; steel belts; polymer belts; or combinations thereof. In oneaspect of the invention, plow edge 22 comprises an elastomeric,cord-reinforced material fabricated from tires, for example, pneumatictires. Each ply 34 typically has a thickness of between about 0.25inches to about 1 inch, for example, about ⅝ inches thick. Thus, thethickness T of plow edge 22 may vary from about 0.25 inches to about 3inches or more, for example, 8 inches or more, depending upon the numberof plies 34 used in its construction, but T is typically between about0.25 inches and about 3 inches, for example, about 0.40 inches. Thewidth of each ply 34 and thus the width W of edge 22 is typicallybetween about 4 inches and about 12 inches, for example, about 8 incheswide. The length of each ply 34 and thus the length L of plow edge 22 istypically between about 2 feet and about 20 feet long, for example,between about 6 feet and about 12 feet long. The dimensions of plow edge22 are typically dictated by the size of the plow body 12 onto which itis to be attached.

[0036] Plow edge 22 may comprise one or more assembles of plies 34. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 4, plow edge 22 may comprise at least a firstsection 36 and a second section 38, for example, as dictated by thelength of plow body 12 of FIG. 2. In one aspect of the invention, plowedge 22 comprises at least two sections 36, 38 having correspondingmating faces 37 and 39 comprising means 40 for joining the two matingfaces 37, 39. As shown in FIG. 4, means 40 may include one or morecomplimentary male projections 42 and female recesses 44 in mating faces37 and 39, respectively. In one aspect of the invention, projection 42and recess 44 are triangular in shape, though in other embodiments theymay be rectangular or semicircular in shape, among other shapes. Anadhesive may be applied to mating surfaces 37, 39, projection 42, andrecess 44 to improve the integrity of the assembly, for example, a gumrubber cement produced by Patch Rubber Company of Roanoke Rapids, N.C.,or its equivalent.

[0037] Plow edge 22 typically includes a plurality of slotted mountingholes 46 or a plurality of circular mounting holes 48. Circular holes 48will typically have a diameter of between about 0.5 inches and about 2.0inches. Slotted mounting holes 46 will typically have a width of betweenabout 0.5 inches and about 3.5 inches and a length of between about 2inches to about 6 inches. Circular mounting holes 48 and slottedmounting holes 48 are typically equally-spaced along plow edge 22, forexample, equally-spaced on about 10-inch to about 14-inch centerlines,for instance, on about 12-inch centerlines.

[0038]FIG. 6 illustrates a partially-exploded, perspective view ofanother prior art plow assembly 50 over which one aspect of the presentinvention is an improvement. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the priorart plow assembly 50 shown in FIG. 6 as viewed from the direction ofarrows 7-7 in FIG. 6. Plow assembly 50 is what is known in the art as a“v-scoop” plow, that is, an articulating plow having at least two plowbodies 52 and 54 pivotably mounted on a common axis. Similar to plowbody 12 shown in FIG. 2, plow bodies 52 and 56 typically include aplurality of reinforcing ribs 58, similar to ribs 14 shown in FIG. 2,and a plow edge 59, similar to plow edge 16 shown in FIG. 1. Under theinfluence of a motive force (not shown), for example, hydraulicactuators, plow bodies 52 and 54 pivotably rotate about axis 56 asindicated by double arrows 60, 62 to effect the preferred “v-shape” ofthe v-scoop plow. V-scoop plows provide added plowing versatility thatis not provided by straight plows, for example, with a v-scoop plow theplow operator can direct the plowed material (for example, snow) toeither side of the vehicle or push half of the material to each side ofthe vehicle.

[0039] In typical prior art v-scoop plows, due to the clearance requiredto allow plow bodies 52 and 54 to rotate about axis 56, plow edge 59 istypically interrupted in the vicinity of axis 56 and a void or opening64 appears in the plow edge 59. In order to prevent the plowed medium,for example, snow or gravel, from passing through void 64, a plow flap66 is mounted over void 64. Plow flap 66 is typically mounted to thebottom edges of plow bodies 52, 54 by means of mounting brackets 68 andmechanical fasteners (not shown). Since plow bodies 52 and 54 typicallymove relative to each other, plow flap 66 is typically made from anelastomeric material, for example, natural rubber, polyisoprene rubber,or ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, among othermaterials. However, such prior art elastomeric materials are prone towear, tearing, splinting, “chunking”, and other forms of breakage due toimpacts with the plowed surface and surface obstructions, and typicallymust be replaced often.

[0040] Two plow flaps that overcome the limitations of prior art plowflaps 66, according to one aspect of the present invention, are shown inFIGS. 8, 9 and 10. FIG. 8 is a plan view of a plow flap 70 according oneaspect of the present invention. Plow flap 70 may be mounted alone invoid or gap 64 or may be mounted in tandem with a similar or identicalplow flap 70 in void or gap 64. FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view takenthrough lines 9-9 shown in FIG. 8. Plow flap 70 may take any convenientshape in order to fill void or gap 64, for example, a rectangular shape,as shown in FIG. 9, a circular shape, or a triangular shape, amongothers. As shown in FIG. 9, and similar in the manner of constructionand material of plow edge 22 shown in FIG. 5, plow flap 70 is comprisedof at least one ply 72, preferably at least 2 plies 72 of anelastomeric, cord-reinforced material. A third ply 72 is shown inphantom in FIG. 9. According to the present invention, one or more plies72 include one or more reinforcing cords 76, such as reinforcing cords35 shown in FIG. 5. Each ply 72 typically has a thickness of betweenabout 0.25 inches to about 1 inch, for example, about ⅝ inches thick.Thus, the thickness T of plow flap 70 may vary from about 0.25 inches toabout 3 inches or more, for example, 8 inches or more, depending uponthe number of plies 34 used in its construction, but T in FIG. 9 istypically between about 1 inch to about 3 inches. The width of each ply72 and thus the width W of flap 70 is typically between about 4 inchesand about 12 inches, for example, about 5 inches wide. The length ofeach ply 72 and thus the length L of plow flap 70 is typically betweenabout 4 inches and about 12 inches, for example, about 8.5 inches long.The dimensions of plow flap 70 are typically dictated by the size of theplow bodies 52, 54 onto which plow flap 70 is mounted.

[0041] In one aspect of the invention, plow flap 70 includes one or moremounting holes 74 for mounting plow flap 70 to plow bodies 52, 54, forexample, by means of mechanical fasteners. The size and location ofmounting holes 74 in plow flap 70 will vary depending upon the size ofthe plow bodies upon which plow flap 70 is mounted, for example,mounting holes 74 may be offset as shown in FIG. 8 and have a diameterbetween about 0.25 to bout 2.0 inches, for example, a diameter of about0.5 inches.

[0042]FIG. 10 is a plan view of plow flap 80 according to another aspectof the present invention. Plow flap 80 is similar in shape to prior artplow flap 66 shown in FIG. 6 and may be similarly mounted over gap orvoid 64 in FIG. 6. However, according to this aspect of the presentinvention, plow flap 80 is comprised of the same elastomeric,cord-reinforced material of plow flap 70 and plow edge 22. For example,FIG. 9 also represents a typical cross section taken through lines 9-9shown in FIG. 10. Again, plow flap 80 may take any convenient shape inorder to fill void or gap 64, for example, a rectangular shape with anupper boss 82 as shown in FIG. 10, a circular shape, or a triangularshape, among others. Plow flap 80 may comprise one or more plies 72 asshown in FIG. 9 and may have a similar thickness T as shown in FIG. 9,for example, a thickness between about 1 inch and about 3 inches. Thewidth W of flap 80 is typically between about 2 inches and about 12inches, for example, about 3 to about 4 inches wide. The length L ofplow flap 80 is typically between about 6 inches and about 24 inches,for example, about 14.5 inches long. The upper boss 82 of plow flap 80may have a length L1 between about 3 inches and about 18 inches, forexample, about 5.5 inches in width. The upper boss 82 may have atransition radius R of between about 0.5 to about 5 inches, for example,about 3 inches. Again, the dimensions of plow flap 80 are typicallydictated by the size of the plow bodies 52, 54 onto which plow flap 80is mounted.

[0043] Similar to plow flap 70, in one aspect of the invention, plowflap 80 includes one or more mounting holes 84 for mounting plow flap 80to plow bodies 52, 54, for example, by means of mechanical fasteners.The size and location of mounting holes 84 in plow flap 80 will varydepending upon the size of the plow bodies upon which plow flap 80 ismounted, for example, mounting holes 84 may be located as shown in FIG.10 and have a diameter between about 0.25 to bout 2.0 inches, forexample, a diameter of about 0.5 inches.

[0044]FIG. 11 is a partial front elevation view of a v-scoop plowassembly 90 according to one aspect of the present invention. In FIG.11, two plow flaps 70 as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 are mounted on plowbodies 52 and 54 (which are pivotably mounted on axis 56) as shown inFIGS. 6 and 7. As shown in FIG. 11, plow flaps 70 are mounted to plowblades 59 and 61 by means of mechanical fasteners, for example, aplurality of bolts 92, nuts 94, and washers 96, thought other types ofmechanical fasteners may be used. As shown in FIG. 11, plow flaps 70overlap to provide an obstruction in void 64. A rear view of the plowflap assembly 90 shown in FIG. 11 is shown in FIG. 12. As shown in thisview, in this aspect of the invention, plow flaps 70 are mounted ontoplow blades 59, 61 by means of mounting plates or mounting brackets 92,94. Mounting plates 92, 94 may take any desirable shape to accommodatethe plow blades 59, 61 and plow flaps 70 for which they are used.Mounting plates 92, 94 are typically metallic, for example, carbon steelor stainless, and have a thickness of between about 0.25 to about 2.0inches. Mounting plates 92, 94 also include appropriate through holes toaccommodate the mounting hardware, for example, bolts 92, nuts 94, andwashers 96.

[0045]FIG. 13 is a view like FIG. 11 of a partial rear elevation view ofa plow assembly 100 according to another aspect of the presentinvention. In FIG. 13, plow flap 80 as shown in FIG. 10 is mounted onplow bodies 52 and 54 (which are pivotably mounted on axis 56) as shownin FIGS. 6 and 7. As shown in FIG. 13, plow flap 80 is mounted to plowblades 59 and 61 by means of mechanical fasteners, for example, aplurality of bolts 92, nuts 94, and washers 96, thought other types ofmechanical fasteners may be used, to provide an obstruction in void 64.As shown in this view in this aspect of the invention, plow flap 80 ismounted onto plow blades 59, 61 by means of mounting plates or mountingbrackets 96, 98, which are similar in size and material to mountingplates 92 and 94 shown in FIG. 12. Again, mounting plates 96 and 98 maytake any desirable shape to accommodate the plow blades 59, 61 and plowflap 80 for which they are used. Also, mounting plates 96 and 98 alsoinclude appropriate through holes to accommodate mounting hardware, forexample, bolts 92, nuts 94, and washers 96.

[0046] The present invention provides an elastomeric, cord-reinforcedplow blade edge and elastomeric, cord-reinforced plow flaps for use in aplow on any form of media. The present inventions may be used for movingdirt, snow, slush, gravel, sand, blacktop, sawdust, manure, and fluids(including water, paint, petroleum-based fluids, food products, amongother fluids), among other materials. The plow blade edge and plow flapsaccording to the present invention are more durable and less prone todamage and require less frequent replacement than prior art edges andflaps. The resilient construction of the present invention alsotransmits less load to vehicles, vehicle mounting equipment, and vehicleoperators than prior art edges and flaps. In addition, the resilientplow blade edge and flaps according to the present invention are moreeffective when plowing non-rigid media, for example, slush and water,compared to rigid metallic prior art plow blade edges.

[0047] While the invention has been particularly shown and describedwith reference to preferred embodiments, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be madeto the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention described in the following claims.

1. A plow edge comprising at least one elastomeric, cord-reinforcedmember fabricated from at least one pneumatic tire part.
 2. The plowedge as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one elastomeric,cord-reinforced member comprises at least one elastomeric,metal-cord-reinforced member or at least one elastomeric,fiber-cord-reinforced member.
 3. The plow edge as recited in claim 2,wherein the at least one elastomeric, metal-cord-reinforced membercomprises at least one elastomeric, steel-belt-reinforced member.
 4. Theplow edge as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one pneumatic tirepart comprises at least one used pneumatic tire part.
 5. The plow edgeas recited in claim 1, wherein the plow edge comprises a snow plow bladeedge.
 6. The plow edge as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least onepneumatic tire part comprises at least one pneumatic tire tread.
 7. Theplow edge as recited in claim 6, wherein the at least one pneumatic tiretread comprises a plurality of pneumatic tire treads.
 8. The plow edgeas recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one elastomeric,cord-reinforced member comprises a plurality of elastomeric,cord-reinforced members.
 9. The plow edge as recited in claim 8, whereinthe at least one elastomeric, cord-reinforced member comprises aplurality of elastomeric, metal cord-reinforced members.
 10. The plowblade as recited in claim 8, wherein the plurality of elastomeric,cord-reinforced members comprise mating ends, wherein the mating endshave cooperating male and female constructions.
 11. A method forreplacing an existing plow edge with an elastomeric, cord-reinforcedplow edge comprising: removing the existing plow edge from the plow; andattaching the elastomeric, cord-reinforced plow edge, the elastomeric,cord-reinforced plow edge comprising at least one elastomeric,cord-reinforced member fabricated from at least one pneumatic tire part.12. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein attaching theelastomeric, cord-reinforced plow edge comprises positioning at leastone rigid support plate adjacent the elastomeric, cord-reinforced plowedge and fastening the support plate and the elastomeric,cord-reinforced plow edge to the plow by means of fasteners.
 13. Themethod as recited in claim 11, wherein the plow comprises an edgemounting surface, and wherein the method further comprises removingdebris from the edge mounting surface.
 14. The method as recited inclaim 11 further comprising adjusting the alignment of the elastomeric,cord-reinforced plow edge wherein the elastomer, cord-reinforced plowedge is mounted at an oblique angle.
 15. A kit for replacing a plow edgewith an elastomeric, cord-reinforced plow edge, the kit comprising: atleast one elastomeric, cord-reinforced plow edge comprising at least onemember fabricated from at least one part of a pneumatic tire; and aplurality of mechanical fasteners.
 16. The kit as recited in claim 15,further comprising a metallic mounting plate having a plurality ofthrough holes.
 17. The kit as recited in claim 15, further comprisinginstructions for replacing a plow edge with the elastomeric,cord-reinforced plow edge.
 18. A plow flap mountable on a plow blade,the plow flap comprising an elastomeric, cord-reinforced materialfabricated from at least one part of a pneumatic tire.
 19. The plowflapas recited in claim 18 wherein the elastomeric, cord-reinforced materialcomprises an elastomeric, metal-cord-reinforced material or anelastomeric, fiber-cord-reinforced material.
 20. The plow flap asrecited in claim 19 wherein the elastomeric, metal-cord-reinforcedmaterial comprises an elastomeric, steel-belt-reinforced material. 21.The plow flap as recited in claim 18 wherein the plow flap is mountableon two plow blades.
 22. The plow flap as recited in claim 18 furthercomprising means for mounting the resilient plow flap to one or moreplow blades.
 23. The plow flap as recited in claim 22 wherein the meansfor mounting the resilient plow flap comprises one or more throughholes.
 24. The plow flap as recited in claim 18 wherein the plow bladecomprises a snow-plow blade.
 25. A plow assembly, comprising: aplurality of plow blades mounted for relative movement about a commonaxis; at least one plow flap comprising an elastomeric, cord-reinforcedmaterial fabricated from parts of one or more pneumatic tires; and meansfor mounting the at least one plow flap to at least one of the pluralityof plow blades.
 26. The plow assembly as recited in claim 25, whereinthe at least one plow flap comprises at least two plow flaps.
 27. Theplow assembly as recited in claim 25, wherein the plow assembly is asnow plow assembly.
 28. The plow assembly as recited in claim 25,wherein the means for mounting the at least one plow flap comprises atleast one mounting member and at least one threaded fastener.
 29. Theplow assembly as recited in claim 28, wherein the at least one mountingmember comprises at least one mounting plate or at least one mountingbracket.
 30. The plow assembly as recited in claim 57, wherein theplurality of plow blades each comprise a plow edge and wherein the meansfor mounting comprises means for mounting the at least one plow flapadjacent to at least one plow edge.
 31. A kit for replacing an existingplow flap of a plow blade with an elastomeric, cord-reinforced plowflap, the kit comprising: at least one plow flap comprising anelastomeric, cord-reinforced material fabricated from parts of one ormore pneumatic tires; and means for mounting the at least one resilientplow flap to the plow blade.
 32. The kit as recited in claim 31 whereinthe means for mounting comprises at least one mechanical fastener. 33.The kit as recited in claim 31 further comprising instructions forreplacing an existing plow flap with at least one elastomeric,fiber-reinforced plow flap.
 34. A plow assembly, comprising: a plowbody; at least one plow edge comprising an elastomeric, cord-reinforcedmaterial fabricated from parts of one or more pneumatic tires; and meansfor mounting the at least one plow edge to the plow body.
 35. The plowassembly as recited in claim 34, wherein the plow body comprises a loweredge and wherein the means for mounting the at least one plow edgecomprises means for mounting the at least one plow edge adjacent thelower edge of the plow body.
 36. The plow assembly as recited in claim34, wherein the at least one plow edge comprises at least two plowedges.
 37. The plow assembly as recited in claim 34, wherein the plowassembly is a snowplow assembly.
 38. The plow assembly as recited inclaim 34, wherein the means for mounting the at least one plow edgecomprises at least one mounting member and at least one threadedfastener.
 39. The plow assembly as recited in claim 38, wherein the atleast one mounting member comprises at least one mounting plate.